Principal Commercial Lawyer

Venn Group; England; Remote; GBP 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shared legal service is seeking a Principal Commercial Lawyer, responsible for guiding procurement initiatives and supervising junior lawyers within local government. The role offers the flexibility of remote working, alongside opportunities for strategic influence over compelling projects in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse.

Benefits

Flexible Working

Generous Leave (25 days + bank holidays)

Secure Pension (LGPS)

Admin Support

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with a practicing certificate.
• Significant experience in contracts and procurement, ideally within local government.
• Confidence in managing complex, high-value matters with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead on drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex commercial contracts.
• Advise on procurement, property, and regeneration matters.
• Supervise two qualified lawyers and mentor future legal talent.

Skills

Contracts Management

Negotiation

Leadership

Public Sector Knowledge

Legal Advisory

Education

Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Principal Commercial Lawyer

£62,445 - £67,884 | Fully Remote (contractually) | Annualised Hours

We’re looking for an accomplished commercial contracts lawyer to take the reins as Principal Commercial Lawyer, a senior role at the heart of major procurement and regeneration initiatives across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils.

This is your chance to shape the legal direction of transformative projects while mentoring junior colleagues and influencing strategic decisions at the highest levels.

Why Join

True Flexibility,This is a contractually remote role. Work where you want, how you want, with full IT support and a mature, trust-based culture.

Major ContractsLead on complex commercial contracts, spanning waste services, vehicle fleets, solar infrastructure, and insurance portfolios.

Strong SupportWith a strong administrative team, you will be able to focus where your skills have the most value.

Strategic InfluenceBe involved from day one on procurement planning and contract design. You’ll work alongside senior officers to embed legal excellence from the outset.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on drafting, negotiating and advising on complex commercial contracts and projects.

• Advise departments including procurement, property, and regeneration.

• Draft and approve contract suites across construction, consultancy, ICT and more.

• Support major redevelopment and social housing investment projects.

• Supervise two qualified lawyers; support admin staff and mentor future legal talent.

• Advise elected members and committees on key legal issues and governance.

What You’ll Bring

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (with practising certificate)

Significant experience in contracts and procurement, ideally within local government

Confidence managing complex, high-value matters with minimal supervision

Collaborative and strategic approach to leadership and client relationships

Commitment to delivering excellent public service legal advice

The Package

Remote Working: Contractually remote, fully enabled with case management system

Annualised Hours: Average 37 hours/week with flexibility on how you schedule them

Generous Leave: 25 days (rising to 30) + bank holidays + Christmas shutdown

️Continuous Service Recognition: Your existing public sector service counts towards leave

Secure Pension: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Well-Resourced: Admin support means more time for legal work, less time on paperwork

Exciting Pipeline: From £10m housing investment to decarbonisation and fleet procurement

About Us

We are the shared legal service for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils. With an ambitious vision and a growing reputation, we’re modernising how in-house legal teams operate. We value professional excellence, trust, flexibility, and impact; and we support each other to deliver it. We’re entering a new phase and we’re looking for a Principal Lawyer who can help lead the way.

Apply today

Apply now to be at the forefront of public sector contract law, helping shape communities and services for years to come. To apply or find out more, contact our recruitment partner Venn Group